Back in Edinburgh for a Scottish Winter

There is something about Edinburgh's frosty breeze that chills one to the bone.

But the bohemian, art-sy, historic and curious atmosphere, although a distinctly dampened version of the Edinburgh Festival buzz, remains alive - although you might have to wait until you warm up inside a steamed-up-windows cafe with a hot chocolate before you can truly appreciate it.

The wintry air allows Edinburgh to regain it's undiscovered mystery and hidden wonders. I love the cobbles and historic stone buildings, especially the way that the rain and cold blueish light illuminate them and make you feel that you might have walked straight into a Brideshead novel or a murder mystery.

I am such a fan of the new and old town. (For those unfamiliar to Edinburgh, the 'new' town is not new at all - mostly Edwardian - but 'new' in comparison to the medieval 'old' town. Both are in central Edinburgh and separated by the main shopping street: Princes Street). As well as Stockbridge, Inverleith, Bruntsfield, Marchmont, The Meadows and George Street. Further out of the centre, areas that I like include Cramond and Ravelston as well as further afield Gullane.

I am beginning to sound pathetically like a tourist board or travel writer for EasyJet magazine.

Anyway, it's nice to be back in the art and literary hub (I went to the BP portrait award exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery the other day) and to watch familiar TV (lots of British murder mystery series and 'Strictly Come Dancing').